The past research conducted by the Bureau of Public Health, 55% of the population in the Canton are active smokers, 25% of whom are heavy smokers (consume more than 20 cigarettes daily).
The situation is more encouraging among school age children and youth, with 14% of children smokers between the ages of 11 and 14, and 16 percent among the youth between 15 and 18 years of age. The percentage of smokers is somewhat higher among 16-year olds, positioned at 23%.
The breakdown of smokers among the different professions shows that largest proportion of smokers could be found with the media professionals (52%), healthcare services (51%), administration and education (44%), followed by the pensioners (42%), university students (39%), NGO employees (38%) and housewives (24%). This data is a fine indicator for the future research.
The B&H Law on Tobacco and Tobacco Products entered into force in 1998, and it aimed to reduce and eliminate the unwanted exposure to tobacco smoke in the workplace, restaurants, public transportation, public gatherings and events, etc. Unfortunately, the Law is not adequately implemented.